Wetland Habitat Groundbreaking

Loudoun Valley High School Students Break Ground for Wetland Habitat

Students brave the water! Students in Loudoun Valley High School’s Environmental Explorations classes kicked off a project that will establish a wetlands habitat in the Purcellville Ridge development over the next two to three years. At the ground-breaking ceremony held on October 23, 2007 students planted native species of plants around and inside a pond located in a recently developed town home community. The site is owned by the Purcellville Ridge Homeowner’s Association.

Students designed the wetlands habitat after learning from expert guest speakers in their classes about the purpose of wetlands, the process of wetland filtration and also about plants native to the area. NMF provided speakers and other resources to help students in their efforts as part of our Field It program.

Some students even get a little muddy! “These students are our next generation of environmental leaders, and we are proud to help them learn firsthand about the importance of protecting natural resources in the midst of development,” said Amy Marasco Newton, NMF President.

The project resulted from the unique partnership of the Purcellville Ridge Homeowner’s Association and Loudoun Valley High School. In addition to NMF, support for the project was provided by the Wachovia Foundation, Virginia Environmental Endowment, Environmental Concern, SRA International, Inc., Project Performance Corporation, Gardens of Delight, Natural Mercantile of Hamilton, and the Hamilton Ruritan Club.

Speakers at the ceremony include: Melissa Wright, Loudoun Valley student; Amy Newton, NMF President; Keith Hicks, Purcellville Ridge Homeowners Association; Bob Lazaro, Purcellville Mayor; Karen Hummer, Wachovia Bank; and Sue Ross, Loudoun Valley Principal. Thanks to our donors and project supporters for making this possible, and to Loudoun Valley High School administration for being so supportive. And the biggest thanks goes to the wonderful teachers at LVHS - John DeMary and Liam McGranahan - for being such amazing teachers and understanding the value of giving their students hands-on experience out in nature! They are truly helping to build our next generation of environmental leaders!

Media Clips

Bob Lazaro, Purcellville Mayor and Karen Hummer from Wachovia Bank cut the ribbon! View media clips from the ceremony.